Ashby company Blueprint Interiors welcomed 15 students and their teacher from The Lancaster Academy in Leicester to its 'WorkLife Central' offices for the final part of their R.E.A.D.Y programme - where students gain experience in the world of work.

R.E.A.D.Y stands for Respect, Employability, Accountability, Diversity, and Young Ambassadors - and Lancaster Academy believes that these five values are essential for success in work.

The Academy says it is committed to helping students develop in these areas and the school is pioneering in its approach, with one R.E.A.D.Y day every half term, devoted to focusing on career activities.

Blueprint Interiors Chairman and Founder, Rob Day, is an Enterprise Advisor for Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP).

He said: "Many young people reach the working world without an understanding of how businesses operate and network.

"This is where this project really helps to provide workplace experiences before they even leave school.

"It was brilliant to see the group's creativity, problem-solving skills, and work ethic.

"Hopefully, we inspired some young minds along the way, and we're confident they'll be successful in whatever they choose to do in future."

The students had a full day of activities at Ivanhoe Business Park-based Workplace consultants and interior fit-out specialists Blueprint, and met with teams from each department, including Projects, Design, Admin, Finance, and Sales.

Project Administrator Apprentice Francesca Curry, and Accounts Apprentice Muhammad Anas have previously attended the school's Living Library event where 30-40 people from the world of work answered any questions students had about their industries.

This also involved fire engine crews, the air force, staff from the McVities factory and many others.

Francesca added: "We were able to tell students about further education, sixth form and apprenticeships as we have both experienced them first-hand.

"I feel that apprenticeships should be spoken about more in school as they are far more valuable in regard to learning and gaining experience as that often makes you more employable in the future.

"This day was not only valuable to the students, but it is also allowed us to build our confidence and communication skills."

R.E.A.D.Y is a government initiative measured by the Gatsby Benchmarks, a set of eight guidelines designed to improve career guidance and prepare young people for working life.